"Coach Gus Malzahn informed us this afternoon that he would be accepting the head coaching position at Auburn University," ASU Chancellor Dr. Tim Hudson said. "We appreciate his contributions to our conference championship season and wish him well."

Hudson said he, Athletics Director Terry Mohajir and ASU System President Dr. Charles L. Welch will begin an immediate search for Malzahn's successor.

"The back-to-back championships in the Sun Belt Conference make this a very attractive position, and we're confident we'll have a lot of interest," Mohajir said. "This administration, this community and the entire Arkansas State family have demonstrated our commitment to have a nationally prominent intercollegiate athletics program and will continue to do so."

Mohajir said he and Malzahn would be meeting to discuss the transition, "keeping the interests of our student-athletes foremost in mind." The plan at this time, Mohajir said, is for Malzahn and his staff to coach the Red Wolves in the GoDaddy.com Bowl on Jan. 6 against Kent State in Mobile, Ala.

"We remain firmly committed to our facilities upgrade plans," Welch said. "We owe this to our student-athletes and fans, and we remain excited about the opportunities ahead for the Red Wolves."